Terzaghi Bearing Capacity | Civil Engineering Interview | Skill-Lync Resources
Medium Geotechnical Engineering Shallow Foundations

Explain Terzaghi's bearing capacity equation and its components.

Answer

Terzaghi's equation for ultimate bearing capacity: qu = cNc + qNq + 0.5*gamma*B*Ngamma, where c = cohesion, q = overburden pressure (gamma*D), B = foundation width, gamma = unit weight, and Nc, Nq, Ngamma are bearing capacity factors depending on friction angle phi. First term represents cohesion contribution, second is surcharge (depth) contribution, third is foundation width effect. Shape factors are applied for rectangular/circular footings. This equation assumes general shear failure and homogeneous soil.

Master These Concepts with IIT Certification
IIT Certified

Master These Concepts with IIT Certification

175+ hours of industry projects. Get placed at Bosch, Tata Motors, L&T and 500+ companies.

Relevant for Roles

Geotechnical Engineer Foundation Engineer Civil Engineer